Merry Solstice!

I am having so much fun this holiday season. I've wrapped bunches of gifts and made so many loads of pumpkin bread and chocolate dipped goodies that my head spins when I walk into the kitchen. I was called by my Uncle last night. He is my god-father and is, in many ways, more of a father figure than my father is or ever was. We talked for a half an hour about his holiday baking. He makes a spread, every year, that puts mine to shame. He makes three different kind of spritz cookies in the shape of Christmas Trees(red, green and white ones), these little short bread balls covered in powdered sugar, chocolate truffles (that are to die for), at least two other kinds that he varies, and now he makes these cookies called Springerles. I call them our heirloom cookie because my grandfather used to make them every year, one of the ingredients is hard to find and you need a special press that is being passed down in the family. He promised to send me the recipe.


We almost had a Christmas "Awakening" of sorts last night when my son, who couldn't sleep, came to find me in my bedroom where I was sorting "Santa" gifts to wrap. Luckily, Hubby intercepted the little man before he saw anything that would make him ask questions... or so I hope. He didn't seem disturbed in his belief. It is becoming harder and harder to hide things from those knowing eyes and questioning minds. There is a reason that by 8 or 9, children get wise to our illusions. I am inclined to see it as a sort of rite of passage now that I have been through it and am watching my kids go through it. I mean, everyone remembers how they found out about Santa, don't they?


Interesting how non-religious traditions can be more like rites of passage than religious ones. I for one, can't remember what was so significant about first communion that it required the hoopla of such an extravagant ceremony. Seems to me they could have offered those little white wafers to the kids before we purchased a white dress and ruffles socks. But perhaps they were afraid that without the prohibition and ceremony, kids wouldn't have given two shits about those dry little wafers. Funny how we trick kids into caring about something by making it an elite rite and then wonder why 21 year olds drink themselves stupid. We are a messy people.

Merry Winter Solstice to my Sisters and Brothers of this Earth. May wisdom deliver our children, from Santa(and getting), to Generosity(and giving).